What is HAF?
We are delighted to be delivering in Southend City the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme which is being funded by the Department for Education. Funds have been made available to provide free holiday provision, including healthy food and enriching activities, for children and young people in receipt of benefits-related free school meals.
The programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and offers eligible pupils:
- 4 days in Spring (Easter holidays)
- 16 days in summer holidays
- 4 days in Winter (Christmas holidays)
Our next programme will run from 2 April to 11 April 2024. Only eligible families will be able to book up to a maximum of 4 days and only attend one club per day.
If your child is eligible, you will receive a unique "HAF" code from your child's school by email or text from 14 March 2024. Remember to update your school if you change your email address. Once you have received your HAF code you will be able to book your sessions through the link on our providers directory.
Approved Providers deliver a programme where children and young people can try new activities, have fun and learn new skills. They include:
- arts and crafts
- dance
- music
- cookery
- sports
- Football
- Game design and Coding projects.
A healthy meal will be provided with every booked place.
Important information about your HAF bookings
167 children booked and did not turn up at their HAF club in December. Other eligible children missed out on the opportunity to attend a free holiday club and receive a hot meal. HAF Providers have turned away families and had already prepared meals. The HAF providers may not receive all the funding for the booked place if it is unattended.
Therefore, any child that is booked onto more than one session or activity on a single day or doesn't attend two booked sessions without cancelling or notifying the provider, we will cancel the remaining bookings. This will enable other child/ren to be offered the place(s) and reduce food waste. You can find out how to cancel your booking on our Frequently Asked Questions.
Children and young people with SEND and medical conditions
All Southend HAF providers are inclusive. When booking, please provide full details of your child's individual needs and contact your chosen provider to discuss any adjustments that need to be made to support your child. Provider contact details can be found on the providers booking page. If you have any issues after contacting your chosen provider, please email HAF@southend.gov.uk
If you need more information check the frequently asked questions page or email: HAF@southend.gov.uk
My Child has special needs. Can they get a place?
We are only able to support eligible children who live in Southend on Sea. All our providers are fully inclusive. We recommend you contact the individual provider about any additional support your child may need before your child attends. This will ensure that your child will be fully supported to access their place.